The Positive News Thread

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In Defense of Biodiversity: Why Protecting Species from Extinction Matters

China is placing a ban on fishing in the Yellow River starting this year

Science is bringing on a revolution in the relationship we have with animals

Plenty of research suggests that animals, from the chicken to the octopus, can feel in a similar way to humans. Despite our knowledge that animals have sentience, we continue to ignore this and allow for inhumane practices like branding to be done on animals. If animals can feel, shouldn’t they at least be treated as morally equivalent to humans? It may seem as if few people think so now, but we are moving towards a better relationship with ‘lower’ creatures. Just look at the rising political representation that animals are gaining from parties like the Labour Party in the UK and The Party of the Animals in the Netherlands.

These tiny paper-based fuel cells run on bodily fluids

Disposable diagnostics tests such as pregnancy tests require small batteries or fuel cells to work. Considering that these devices can typically only be used once, an engineer is developing small, nontoxic, inexpensive fuel cells that can be disposed of without ecological impact.There are two reasons why these single-use fuel cells are incredible. First, they are made mainly using paper; and second, instead of relying on lithium, these paper fuel cells use bodily fluids such as saliva and blood.

Religious People Live Longer